The Frenchman's Woman

by Lee Taylor

  Bai reached across the desk and lit each of their cigars. Selecting one from the humidor for himself, he cut it, lit it, and sat back in his chair, shooting each of them a quizzical gaze.

  Wyatt answered his unspoken question. “Wan told me this morning what happened at the saloon. Given the involvement of the Rongue Ri, I need to know how you plan to protect Elena.”

  Before Bai could respond there was a knock at the door. To his surprise, Nianzu and Elena stood in the doorway.

  Wan met his gaze. His voice was cool. “I asked Nianzu and Elena to join us, Bai. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Nianzu, please bring a chair for yourself and one for Elena -- unless you have invited additional guests, Wan. Non? In that case, please sit down,” Bai said, motioning to Elena and Nianzu.”

  Bai kept his voice flat, emotionless. He leaned back in his chair, assuming a casual pose. “This is my office, but obviously your meeting, Wan, yours and Wyatt’s. Please be so kind as to tell me your agenda.” He was surprised when Wyatt ignored his question and turned instead to Elena.

  Wyatt’s face was stern, his voice was cold. “Elena, I learned this morning that once again you disobeyed your grandfather and Bai. You went to the saloon against their direct orders and were almost killed. In addition, the incident has aggravated the fragile peace between the Sing Leon and the Rongue Ri. Elena, I am as disappointed in you as I am angry.”

  Bai saw Elena and Nianzu share a miserable glance. Nianzu shook his head in obvious distress. Elena looked up at her father and shuddered. Bai thought with a scowl, he wished she looked that contrite when he confronted her. Apparently, she was more distraught about disappointing her father than him. From the look on Wyatt’s face, she had reason to be concerned. He looked a hell of a lot more angry than disappointed.

  Elena whispered, “I’m sorry, Father.”

  Bai sat back in his chair, watching the interplay between Elena and Wyatt. If the situation were not so serious he would have enjoyed it. Wyatt continued to glare at Elena, then glanced over and met Bai’s eyes.

  “Bai, you know that Wan and I asked you to be in charge of Elena’s security. Now that the Rongue Ri is directly involved, I need to know how you plan to protect her in light of the rising violence among the Tongs.”

  Bai’s voice was cool, his eyes hard. “At yours and Wan’s request, I agreed to be responsible for Elena. I have since changed my mind. After the incident at the saloon, it is clear to me that Elena doesn’t belong here, Wyatt. You will do us all a favor if you take her home with you when you and Lei leave.”

  Elena swallowed a shocked gasp. Wan started and frowned. Wyatt sat back in his chair and took several puffs on his cigar. He looked at Bai through half closed eyes.

  “I see. You are probably right, Bai.” Wyatt’s voice was careful. “But we may be beyond that decision point.”

  Wan concurred. “Bai, please remember. Elena is my granddaughter and is here at my invitation. Unfortunately, given what happened at the saloon, which you informed me of only this morning, she is now marked as are you. Given that we are dealing with the Rongue Ri, she is safer here under our protection than she would be in Wyoming. If you give it some thought, I know you will agree. Even more than me and more than Wyatt, the Rongue fear you, Bai.”

  Wyatt leaned forward and held Bai’s gaze. “Wan told me what happened at the saloon. Once again you saved my daughter’s life at great risk to your own. I am grateful….”

  Bai broke in with a dismissive wave of his hand.

  “Don’t mention it. It is what I do. I am a killer, the best there is. Ask Wan.”

  The barest smile crossed Wyatt’s face, as if remembering saying something close to that when he was Bai’s age. His next words confirmed he understood the magnitude of Bai’s assertion.

  “I am sure that is so, Bai. But you have to agree. My daughter has put you to the test. Even for Elena, killing six men within six weeks on her behalf is something of a record.”

  “I am confident you know this, Wyatt, but your daughter is a magnet for trouble.” Bai quirked a brow and allowed a flash of humor to cross his face at the understatement. Wyatt grinned in return.

  Watching the exchange between her father and Bai, Elena was infuriated. Damnit, this is the final straw, she thought. Now the pompous bastard has my father wrapped around his finger -- at my expense. Surprising even herself with the vehemence of her response, she practically shouted, “Stop this!”

  Elena jumped up, glaring from Bai to her father, heat flaming her cheeks. “Stop discussing me as though I am a brainless child incapable of participating in this conversation or of taking care of myself.” She whirled to face Bai. “First of all, I am not a magnet for trouble. As I have told you, no one, especially you, needs to be responsible for me. I am responsible for myself. Moreover, I will decide if and when I leave here. And to that point I have decided I will no longer ‘participate’ in this discussion.”

  She tossed her head and turned to leave the room.

  “Sit down, Elena.” Bai’s voice was cool, but his eyes flashed ominously.

  “Now.”

  Elena recognized the look in his eyes. She hesitated, then turned to Wyatt for support. He gave her a slight smile and an imperceptible nod.

  “I think you better do as he says, honey. Bai seems to mean business.”

  Elena looked surprised. She glared at Bai, then she sat down and appealed to Wan.

  “Grandfather, I do not want Bai to be responsible for me. I want Nianzu to guard me. He understands me and cares about me. He also treats me respectfully, not like an incorrigible child.”

  Bai’s eyes twinkled for a brief moment. He murmured, “Your description, not mine, Elena.”

  Nianzu broke in. “I’m sorry, Elena. I don’t think that is a good idea. I am responsible for what happened the other night. Bai is right. I didn’t stand up to you. I knew it was dangerous to go to the saloon, but you wouldn’t listen to me. I gave in to you. I think Bai may be the only one you’ll listen to, even more than your father and Wan.”

  Wan’s face and voice were grim. “I agree with Nianzu, Elena. I have told you repeatedly that this is a dangerous time. It has now become more so – for you. In the minds of the Rongue Ri, you are responsible for the death of Wichi Fan, their most important leader. Even though Bai killed him, he did it to protect you. In their eyes, you are as guilty as he is. I honor Nianzu and accept that he made a mistake, a grave error. But you did as well by not listening to him. If Bai will agree, I want him to continue to be in charge of your security.” Wan turned to Wyatt, who nodded in agreement.

  “What about it, Bai? Are you willing to take on this ‘incorrigible’ daughter of mine? When I heard what happened, my first thought was like yours -- Elena needs to come back to Wyoming. Wan convinced me that you and the men who follow you are more equipped than even my Caballeros to protect her, particularly given that the enemies are members of a rival Tong who know you and fear you.”

  Bai didn’t respond for several moments. He wrestled with his emotions. It would be a hell of a lot easier for him to send Elena back to Wyoming. But even he had to admit, that was short-sighted. The Rongue could find her there as easily as here. No, damnit, Wyatt and Wan were right. Of all of them, he had the best chance of making Elena obey, of protecting her. Accepting that reality, he threw Elena a harsh glare, then turned first to Wyatt and then to Wan.

  “If you both have concluded that she needs to stay here -- against my recommendations, then I concede. I will continue to oversee her security. As part of that oversight, I will once again develop the rules she needs to follow, explain them to her, and see that she follows them.”

  Elena was furious. She snapped, “And what if I decide not to obey your stupid rules?”

  Bai smiled at her, but his eyes were cold. “You already know the answer to that question, Elena. I will turn you over my knee and spank your bare ass.”

  Elena gulped and felt the heat flood her face. She couldn’t
believe Bai would say that in front of her father and Wan. She turned to Wyatt, expecting him to be angry, but instead saw a twinkle in his eye. Fighting the tears that welled up in her eyes, she said in disbelief, “I can’t believe that you are encouraging him, Father. I expect you to be furious that he would threaten to hurt me. I know you would never hit a woman, why would you let him hit me?”

  “Honey, you’re right. I don’t hit women and I don’t spank children. I never spanked you as a child, even though you probably needed it. But the standards for spankings between adults are different in my mind.” He added with a grin, “They serve several purposes.”

  Elena was stunned.

  Bai chuckled. “We seem to have the same standards, Wyatt. I only spank children who are at least twenty years old. As for women, I spank them only when they are asking for it and need it.”

  Elena jumped up, taut with anger. She glared first at Wyatt and then at Bai. Seeing the grins on their faces, she turned to storm out of the room.

  Bai’s voice cracked across the room, stopping her at the door. “Elena, this is the last time I will say this. Sit. Down. I will tell you when this meeting is over.” He nodded to her chair and said in a quiet voice. “Please, sit down.”

  Elena looked to Wyatt, her eyes pleading for his support. A sad smile flickered over Wyatt’s face. Elena felt her chest constrict. She returned to her chair, stricken by her father’s response. She didn’t try to hide her tears. The look on his face cut like a knife. All her life, Wyatt had fiercely protected her, guarding her like the beloved only-daughter she was. For the first time Wyatt was conceding that he wasn’t the one who could best protect her. Now at the most dangerous time in her life, Wyatt was stepping back, relying on Bai to ensure her safety. It was a hard lesson for her and the troubled frown on Wyatt’s face confirmed that it was an equally difficult one for her father. Bai was looking hard at her father, as though he knew Wyatt was taking a big step. With a pang, she saw them exchange a nod, confirming their mutual understanding. Despair crashed over her as the anchor she had clung to all her life slipped away.

  The silence in the room was painful. Wyatt reached over and took Elena’s hands in his. She tried to pull away, but he held them tight.

  “Honey, listen to me. We are talking about your safety, about your life. This is not about anyone controlling you. It is about protecting you. Twice in the last six weeks you were in grave danger and could have been killed. In each instance, you disobeyed direct orders from Wan and Bai. Both times, Bai saved your life at great risk to himself. Elena, he killed six men who intended to kill you. Four of them were going to rape you first.”

  Elena shuddered at the memory. She closed her eyes to shut it out, but didn’t want to concede that Bai had saved her. She saw that her father was serious and didn’t want to make him angry but she hated the smug smile in Bai’s eyes. In a huffy voice, she reminded him, “Don’t forget he also killed my horse.”

  Bai said with an insolent grin, “A horse is only as good as how fast he can run.”

  Elena glared at him. “Is that your standard for women as well?”

  “No, I like women who run in place--in their place.”

  “And men, Bai?”

  “Only as well as they can control their women.”

  Elena gave an angry snort. Wyatt shook his head, a displeased frown creasing his brow.

  Bai held up his hands and said with a disarming smile, “Excusez-moi, that was inappropriate. I shouldn’t taunt you, Elena. This is a serious conversation. Your father is correct. This is not about controlling you. It is about protecting you. I have to know that you will do what I tell you to or I can’t keep you safe. Do you understand?”

  She refused to answer him, not sure if she spoke she would be able to control her emotions. She was desperate not to cry. When she didn’t respond, Bai was silent, waiting for her answer. Finally, she gave in and looked up at him.

  His eyes were hard, narrow. His expression demanded her response. “Elena, I asked you a question, an important question. Please answer me.”

  Elena was quiet for another long moment. She looked down at her hands then nodded and whispered, “Yes.’

  “Good. You and I will talk later about specifics.” He paused and added, “You may go now, Elena.” He stood and bowed slightly while holding her gaze. “Thank you for coming.”

  She stood up, trying to steady herself, then turned and ran from the room.

  ~~~

  Bai sat down. His stern expression said it all. Any semblance of congeniality was gone. “Now that we’ve resolved that issue, can we please discuss the hell we are up against? I presume you want to be part of this discussion, Wyatt?”

  “Indeed. I am entrusting you with the life of my daughter. I need to know you are up to the task.”

  Bai nodded with a tight smile that, like Wyatt’s, didn’t reach his eyes.

  “Indeed. Shall we get specific?”

  Wyatt nodded.

  Bai’s voice was laced with steel. “We’re in a dangerous situation, Wyatt, and Elena is right in the middle of it.”

  ~~

  Chapter 22

  “As you know, Wyatt, for the past two years, I have attempted to convince six smaller California Tongs to join with me to form an alliance I am calling the Brotherhood. The incident at the saloon dramatically compromised that effort.

  “Before the incident, I managed to persuade the Tong leaders to attend a conclave – the first step to create the Brotherhood. The conclave is scheduled for tomorrow evening. That was before the ‘change in leadership’ at the Rongue Ri. To put it more succinctly, before I killed their leader, Wichi Fan. We now need to rethink our strategy in the light of the uncertainty of what the new leadership of the Rongue Ri will bring. Critical to my planning was and is that we prevent a Tong war. Or at the least if there is a war, that we keep it between the Rongue Ri and the Sing Leon. My killing Wichi Fan has made that war more likely.

  “Do you have questions to this point, Wyatt?”

  “Yes, I do. But before you continue, please know that I am grievously disappointed with Elena. I apologize on behalf of my daughter …”

  “Wyatt, that is not necessary. Nianzu is as guilty as Elena for misjudgment. Neither of them intended for the incident to happen. Both of them fought bravely and well. It is done. We need to move forward.”

  “As usual, Bai, you are gracious, but we both know that Nianzu and Elena would have been killed if you and your men did not arrive when you did.”

  “Unfortunately, that is true, Wyatt.” Bai continued with an ironic grin, “One thing we can be grateful for is the importance of meeting carnal needs. If my men and I had not stopped in to visit Madam Couchette…Enough said.”

  Wyatt nodded appreciatively. “Bai, who is now heading up the Rongue Ri?”

  “His name is Feng Zhang. He was a close confidant of Wichi Fan’s and a long time foe of Wan Chang.”

  “Is there a chance that he will be willing to consider a new path?”

  Wan stepped in. “Let me answer that question, Wyatt. We can always hope for redemption, but twenty years ago I killed Feng Zhang’s father, Lui Zhang, in a death match. To sharpen the wound, the match was fought over a woman. Unfortunately, she was Feng’s mother. In summary, if we thought that Wichi Fan hated the Sing Leon and me personally, Feng’s hatred is exponentially more acute.”

  Wyatt said with a quirk of his brow. “I see.”

  Bai said, “It won’t surprise you, Wyatt, to know that we have highly placed informants in the Rongue Ri and in each of the six minor Tongs, as well. I know from our informants that my killing Wichi Fan will be used as the rationale for what Wan and I have fought hard to avoid and that is an all out Tong war in California. Now they have two reasons to bring down the Sing Leon --Wan Chang and me.”

  “What are your next steps, Bai?”

  “We will have the conclave tomorrow evening, as we planned. That presumes all six leaders still agree to come. Feng has pers
onally threatened each of the leaders if they join the Brotherhood. His threats make the chances for success at the conclave minimal at best.

  “It is critical that we do not waver or appear to be pulling back. Let’s assume that the meeting to form the Brotherhood ends in a stalemate. There is too much potential for outright war for the minor leaders to agree to go against either the Rongue or us at this point. They are as concerned about Feng Zhang as we are.

  “My proposal—and this is confidential among the four of us—is that following the meeting with the six Tongs, I set up a one-on-one meeting with Feng Zhang. I have never met Feng. I need to size him up personally. I need to know who I will be fighting if a war between us does break out. And there is at least a small chance that he might see the wisdom of the Brotherhood. That’s unlikely, I know. Either way, in my view, the meeting is worth the risk.

  “In the current environment the most vicious, violent, and savage Tong wins. At this point that is the Sing Leon. The personification of the violent supremacy of the Sing Leon is me, the Frenchman.”